The Gypsy Caravan

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

On the Road Again

Anyone for a road trip? We're headed to Rick's trade show, traveling from Michigan across Canada to western Massachusetts, via upstate New York for a special dinner!

Our early morning departure was designed to get us to Geneva, NY before dark and dinner. Our mission was simple. We were again celebrating our together time (which all started in a March long ago) and we wanted to get to Belhurst Castle, our dining location before it was dark!

And yes, we fought those winds you may have heard about all along the way, even seeing an overturned semi on an overpass (fortunately for those of us on the highway, it overturned on the overpass, rather than over it). You'd never know I had a new "do" by the wind damage!

But as it was last year, the place is delightful. I wrote more about it here so I won't go into its past. Let me just show you a few details. Like the fabulous view of Lake Seneca...

...the wooden walls and beautiful cozy art...

...the magnificent fireplace in our dining area...

...the Poseidon mosaic fireplace in the corridor...

...and us! Friends for 24 years, partners for 21!

The dinner, as always, was fabulous. We both chose the prime rib special which included a fabulous Caesar salad, a delectable soup with black beans and pineapple (I'd kill for the recipe for that one) an oversized portion of prime rib and so many potatoes that we took them to our MA hosts and enjoyed them later.

Dessert was nothing to laugh at either! We ate the ice cream and enjoyed the apple tarts as a road snack the next day!

Then we worked our way toward Pittsfield, MA, where we would be staying with Rick's brother and sister-in-law, traveling some through drop dead gorgeous territory.

But we had a stop on the way -- Sharon Springs, NY, where my friend Jane is restoring an 1830s guest house.

Most people would have torn down. But Jane is a historic preservationist and she is intrepid! The house is basically being rebuilt, using whatever they could salvage from the original, including floorboards and doors. The floor boards are numbered and will fit back together in good order when the rest of the construction is complete.

I loved the details of the doors, their locks and knobs.

I love this!

During the restoration they have discovered lots of interesting things -- shards of pottery, an old sign, coins, and bits of wallpaper from a previous design incarnation. It's Sharon Springs' own little archaeological dig.

And of course for Jane, this is the frosting on the cake! All the discoveries and the things that can be saved and used again!

Most of the town was closed and very quiet. We wandered a couple of stores, regrettably missed lunch at the Black Cat cafe and then headed on.

More pretty territory! And when we came upon the Shaker Village at Hancock, MA, just outside of Pittsfield, we knew we were almost there!

It was an early rise the next day to head to the trade show. You can see that while the snow had melted, the ice on the rock shelves was still strong.

And the weather was bitter cold and looking a bit tricky.

I'll bet they saw a lot more of this sign later in the week when the blizzard would arrive! (More to come!)

30 comments:

Belhurst Castle looks wonderful. What a beautiful place to return to for a celebratory dinner. And such a gorgeous photo of you two dining. Your friend, Jane, has the right idea. Our home that we moved from two year ago had all the old doors with original hardware, too. It was one of the features that helped us choose the old home years ago. I hope you had a fun time at the trade show. And, did you think to wave as you drove across Canada. ;-) Deb

Love your pic in front of the castle. Beautiful place and I'd like to try their prime rib too... and apple tarts with ice cream. Now that's on my list the next time I do my New England road trip again. ;)

What a wonderful trip you had. Love the castle where ou had your anniversary dinner, and all you saw - and ate! along the way, but I especially love all those finds in the old house at Sharon Springs, what a treasure. Thanks for sharing, hugs, Valerie

What a fantastic road trip so far. The place where you and Rick mark your anniversary dinner is a beautiful place. I love places like that and the dinner looks to die for. I admire people like your intrepid friend who will go through the time and expense to restore places to their original charm. I couldn't do it myself but I sure love to enjoy the after effects. I look forward to the rest of the trip. Stay safe. xx

What a lovely destination to return and celebrate you anniversary. The castle is beautiful with the wood and art and I really do love the Poseidon mosaic. The food looks delicious an I know I would love the soup. I am amazed at anyone taking on the restoration of an old home, hope you share this one when it's finished. Enjoy your trip and travel safe........

I enjoyed this part of your trip. What a castle that place is. The meal looks yummy. I guess I need to go back to the older post to read more. :) Were you in New England when the blizzard came yesterday? Hopefully not stuck in some hotel somewhere. But looking forward to some more posts of your journey. I remember I "met" you last year when you went to the sugar shack and posted about it and Elizabeth over at Bleubeard and Elizabeth connected my sugar shack post to yours. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Hugs-Erika

I have black beans in the pantry and cut pineapple in the refrigerator. I never would have thought of combining them, but I might give it a go. I'll call mine "Rick and Jeanie's anniversary soup," and enjoy it as much as I enjoyed this wonderful entry!

Wow, that fireplace has a beautiful design. What a nice road trip you had with Rick. Your meal looks delicious, Jeanie. Soups are so nice during the cold frosty months. I am a door and door knob lover too. The ones you came across were interesting. That last picture with the sign is great!

It sounds like you had a fantastic time with Rick on your road trip. I am taking one coming up here pretty soon for my nephew's wedding. It should be fun!

What an outstanding trip you've done, so many lovely things you've seen and visited - I so love the building where you've dined on the Lake Seneca, you have such a lovely goal to celebrate, my Dearie !

Wishing you a most lovely remainder of your week,I'm thinking of you with so much love

I will always be your constant companion on the road trips Jeanie!I love seeing the countryside and towns - it gives me a good insight into small town US.Jane's house will be lovely and authentic.I would have focused on the door furniture too!Food all looks yummy!All that snow and icy roads - do you drive with chains in the wheels?Maybe a silly question but Im not used to those conditions.Enjoy your trip!

Jeanie, we both love to travel and the castle looks fabulous along with your meal. Great photo of you in front and you and Rick dining. The restoration project that your friend has going on is fabulous! Please keep us updated on it.

We've decided we will go off our diets on our birthdays and choose what we want to eat. H want's seafood, which I love, too, and I want prime rib. I don't get it often, but I always enjoy it when I do.I had a friend who restored an old house. H helped with some of the work. It's quite a job, but worth it in the end.

The castle looks gorgeous, and the picture of you two at the dinner table brought a film to mind (what else is new with me). :) Reminded me of Same Time Next Year, not sure if you've ever watched it...with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. What fun you guys have on the road.

Oh, such fun to see everything, Jeanie! LOVE that photo of you & Rick at your lovely dinner. Happy anniversary! :) Such beautiful places in upstate NY. VERY fun your friend is restoring a guesthouse... Look forward to when you can stay there, and "report". ;) Oh, the Shaker place in MA... *sigh* ... You celebrate life in a great way, Jeanie... your on the road posts are always such a joy! ((HUGS))

Jeanie, sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Cute photo of the two of you. The food sounds delicious. Oh my, that cottage is going to be fabulous when it is restored. I love the sign that was discovered! Thanks for sharing with SYC.hugs,Jann

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About Gypsy!

The Marmelade Gypsy was a big orange cat who happened into my life when he was abandoned long ago and took up residence in the window well. Within a few months, he had moved inside the house and took up residence inside my heart (and on the couch, in the window, on the bed...) He was one sweet boy, the ultimate cat who served as pet therapist, executive assistant and secret keeper. He will always hold a huge spot in my heart. Goodbye, Mr. Gyps.

Lizzie Cosette

Lizzie Cosette may be neither marmelade nor a gypsy, but she is indeed a "Marmee," as the March sisters in "Little Women" referred to their mother. Found in an abandoned garage with three kittens, she was fostered until she found a new home and human to love her.

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Every step of the way I will walk with you and never leave you stranded. -- Rumi

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I live with the guiding principles of joy, compassion, fun, friendship, family, love, creativity and happiness. I love sharing my art, my family history, my world and equally enjoy hearing about yours.